He leaves behind the love of his life of 38 years, Sara (Callahan) Gilbert. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Flo Gilbert, sister Pat Cushing, son Jeff Gilbert, son-in-law Steve (Levi) Straus, daughter-in-law Linda (Benitez) Gilbert, and mother-in-law Jean Callahan.
John was the loving father to Mitch (Jane) Gilbert, Tia Straus, Rick Gilbert, Christine (Ray) Heist; Martin (Kelli) Gilbert; Ann (Todd) Miller; and daughter-in-law Margaret Gilbert. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
John proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and continued to fly for forty years. He was a member of the Sun City Early Birds Lions Club for 27 years. John loved to travel, he loved art and was definitely a “foodie” at heart.
A Celebration of Life will be held this spring in Pinetop, AZ on Saturday, May 4, 2024. More information can be found below.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family request that contributions in John’s name be made to Sun City Early Bird Lions, P.O. Box 1446, Sun City, AZ 85372.
